Battle Ground School District Receives Initial Water Testing Results

Battle Ground School District Receives Initial Water Testing Results

September 19, 2016

Battle Ground Public Schools has received initial results for water testing indicating elevated levels of lead in water at some sources on six campuses. Some samples from Amboy Middle, Captain Strong Primary, Chief Umtuch Middle, Maple Grove, Yacolt Primary, and the Lewisville campus were found to have lead contents above the federal Environmental Protection Agency's recommended limit for lead of 15 parts per billion.

The district has taken immediate action to prohibit drinking from sources that tested above recommended limits for lead, and is following federal guidelines for addressing elevated lead levels and follow up testing.

"We are concerned about the health and safety of our students, and have taken measures to address the results as swiftly and efficiently as possible," said Mark Hottowe, Battle Ground's superintendent.

The district has shut off water sources that showed elevated levels of lead and is changing those fixtures. Following replacement of the fixtures, the district will conduct follow up testing according to federal guidelines. The district will be working with the principals at each of the impacted buildings to make appropriate accommodations to make sure students have adequate access to drinking water.

To be thorough, Battle Ground Public Schools conducted testing at every source of drinkable water across the district. The district drew samples from more than 2,000 sources following federal recommended guidelines for testing.

The results the district has received to date represent approximately 20 percent of the more than 2,000 samples. The district will address additional results as it receives them. Battle Ground Public Schools will continue ongoing testing as part of its maintenance plan and commitment to providing a safe environment for students and employees.